Glossary - What is that?
The terminology and jargon used when discussing on-farm technology options available can be quite confusing.
This glossary may assist in understanding these better.
Data management
Dashboard: A website that is used to view and interpret data from devices and can be viewed on a computer, phone, or tablet.
Syncing: Abbreviation of synchronising. It refers to the transfer of data between two devices, usually via the cloud.
The cloud: Off site storage of data accessed via the internet.
Data transfer
Network: Two or more physically or wireless-connected components that exchange data e.g., a gateway and a device.
LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network): A broad term to describe a range of networks that are low power, low cost and long range. This makes them ideal for IoT technologies.
LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network): An unlicensed and readily accessible LPWAN.
Cat M1 (Category M1): A purpose built IoT network based on a mobile phone network. It transmits small packages of data and requires a small amount of power which can be supplied by battery or solar.
Mobile: A network with a series of mobile base stations that relay a wireless signal, that allows devices to connect and transmit and receive data e.g., mobile phone networks LTE (Long Term Evolution), 3G – third generation, 4G – fourth generation.
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity): A wireless network commonly used in domestic and industrial settings.
Bluetooth: A wireless technology used to connect devices in order to transmit and receive data over a very short distance (1-2 metres).
Connection point
Gateway: An access point to or between networks that allows connection and data transmission e.g., device to gateway via LoRaWAN (network) and Gateway to the internet via cellular.
Node: A device that connects several devices to a gateway.
Device
Device: A ‘thing’ that collects and transmits data e.g., soil moisture probes, water level sensors, electric fence sensor, weather stations.
The devices have a technology embedded such as a microchip or SIM allowing it to sense and communicate data.
Other terms
API: Application Programming Interface, is a software intermediary that allows two application to talk to each other.
IoT: Internet of Things, the development of the internet to connect to “things”, such as devices to transmit and receive data through technology such as a microchip or SIM that allows the devices to sense and communicate.
Base station: A fixed location from which a wireless network is transmitted. Similar to a mobile phone tower but on a smaller scale.
Bandwidth: The rate at which data can be transferred across a network.
Unsecured: Has no security measures to protect devices from a malicious attack.
Secured: Has security measures in place to protect the device from a malicious attack.
Push notifications: Notifications or alerts that are sent to a device automatically, to provide information.